Basic Essentials Haul

You may have noticed that I haven't been hauling a lot lately. While I am certainly not on a no-buy, I have somehow managed to rein in my impulse to spontaneously splurge. Now, I thoroughly research cosmetics before I open my pocket book and focus on using and appreciating what is currently in my collection. However, this lack of hauling means that I am using up products, makeup and otherswise, like a mad woman. The other day I discovered that my stock of everyday skincare and cosmetics essentials was depleted! Here is what I broght home from a quick trip to Target- no unessesary buys jumped into my basket either!

Up & Up Eye Makeup Remover

This stuff is cheap but it gets the job done. After I finished up my last bottle of this I started using coconut oil to remove my eye makeup, but I ran out of that, too!

St. Ives Skin Renew Collagen Elastin Lotion

I started buying this product way back when it was sold in tubs as a face cream. It appears that the formula is still the same, though it is now marketed as a body lotion. This body lotion is not fragranced, sinks into the skin lightening fast, is incredibly hydrating, and is slightly firming. I feel like my skin is in good condition when I use this stuff, and I use it on both face and body. Bonus: it is very affordable, and my partner loves it, too!

Yes to Tomatoes Perfect Balance Facial Set

 This is my second time buying this set, though I have also bought sever of the items included individually. My main love from this kit is the Yes to Tomatoes facial lotion- oily and combo skinned babes, you need this in your life. The whole kit, which also includes a facial wash, mask, and headband, was on clearance for $13 (each product is usually around $10) so in the cart it went.

Goody Ouchless Hairties

Basic necessity for long haired ladies.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

I have been reading rave reviews about this product for ages, so once I used up all of my setting powders I made sure to pick one up. A full review is coming soon, but as of now it is living up to reputation! 

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

This past month I also finished up a tube of clear mascara, which I use to set my brows. My rationale in picking Great Lash was simply that it was the cheapest clear mascara I could find at Target. However, I am really glad I got this one because the wand is very small- perfect for sorting out my wild brows. 

Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush

My previous eyeliner brush was legit crap- but what can we expect for a no name $2 cheapo from the grocery store? I have now repurposed it as a nail art brush to make way for this Sonia Kashuk Bent Liner Brush. This has been working beautifully with cream liners for me, and makes winged liner effortless.

Despite this essentials haul, I am still on the market for a few basics! I am on the market for a good primer, tinted moisturizer, and foundation as well.

High end or low end, what are your suggestions?

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Posted in Bath/Shower , Goody , Hair Care , Haul , Maybelline , Skin Care , Sonia Kaschuk , St. Ives , Yes to Tomatoes

September Favorites (No Flunkies Allowed!)

Forgive me for being a few days late on this month's favorites and flunkies post. Due to my busy schedule my makeup routine has simplified, and I have started to opt for more neutral, foolproof shades. As I look at my most used products, I can see that I have been slowly transitioning from summer to fall. Because I have been really limiting my spending, I thankfully don't have any flunkies to share with you this month either. Here is what I have been loving this month!

Slatkin & CO Marshmallow Fireside Candle

I picked this up at Bath & Body Works during their recent 2 for $20 candle sale. This may actually be the most delicious scent I have ever smelled in my life. Just like roasted marshmallows and campfires, the scent is part creamy, sweet marshmallow, and part smokey and woodsy. You need this in your life, trust me!

Goody Spin Pins

I never spend much time on my hair, and this has especially been so now that I have been so busy with school. Even if I am stressed and under slept I still want to be polished and professional, so a messy ponytail simply won't do. Spin pins have been my hair savior this month. You can create a ton of different looks with these, but I typically use them to quickly transform my messy long locks into a cute, secure bun.

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

For a full review and swatches, click here. I adore everything about this product. The cream to powder formula is easy to blend and lasts on my oily prone skin. The shade is a cool toned milky pink with subtle shimmer that adds a natural glow to my face. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

Read my full review and see swatches here. This blush was something I really had to step out of my comfort zone to try, but I am literally obsessed with it now. It is a pigmented, long wearing nude pinky brown that it is going to be perfect in the fall to create a natural, warm flush. This is also the ideal shade, in my opinion, to pair with a deep, berry or red lipstick.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha

After a long lover affair with Milk, I have recently been reaching for the shade Iced Mocha religiously. This medium brown with silver shimmer acts as a phenomenal sticky base for all of my brown eye looks.

 E.L.F. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Coffee Bean

I received this as an extra in a recent MUA swap and honestly didn't have high expectations. Coffee Bean is a pretty dark brown with silvery shimmer but on its own the pigmentation isn't stellar. However, this shade layered over NYX JEP in Ice Mocha has been my go to eye look these past few days. I have been really loving this combo. Since both shades have silver shimmer (which I think is pretty unique, as most shimmery browns are laced with gold), they create a gorgeous icy brown smokey eye that has just the slightest touch of taupe.

Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in Everlast

Expect a full review on this phenomenal liner soon! I don't know why more people aren't obsessing over this product.  This liner lasts forever, is super dark, and easy to apply.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude

Read my full review here. This has been my most used lipstick recently. It is the best nude I have found to date, and is a great budget find! 

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sandy

When it comes to lip gloss, I am typically not willing to buy high end but this one is worth every penny. The formula is wonderfully cooling and tingly on the lips, and I do feel like it makes my pout look plumper. The shade is a pinky nude that is lovely on its own or layered over most any lipstick. Pairing this with Revlon's Soft Nude has been my go to lip combo this month.

What have you been loving this past month? 

Any flunkies to report?

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Posted in Bath and Body Works , Buxom , E.L.F. , Favorites and Flunkies , Goody , Hair Care , Milani , NYX , Revlon , Tarte